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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people think that secondary school children should study international news as one of the school subjects. Others, however, think that it is a waste of valuable school time and has no value. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Some people think that secondary school children should study international news as one of the school subjects. Others, however, think that it is a waste of valuable school time and has no value.

In today's interconnected world, the debate on whether secondary school children should study international news as a school subject is a topic of much discussion. While some argue that it is essential for students to be well-informed about global events, others believe that it is not a productive use of school time. In this essay, both perspectives will be discussed, followed by my own opinion on the matter.

Those in favor of studying international news in secondary schools argue that it helps students develop a broader perspective of the world. By learning about global affairs, students can gain a better understanding of different cultures, political systems, and social issues. This can contribute to their overall education and help them become more informed and responsible global citizens. Additionally, being aware of international news can enhance critical thinking skills and encourage students to form their own opinions on world events.

On the other hand, opponents of including international news in the school curriculum argue that it may not directly contribute to students' academic and career development. They believe that the limited time available in the school day should be dedicated to subjects that are more directly relevant to students' future prospects. Furthermore, some argue that international news can be overwhelming and may expose students to disturbing or inappropriate content.

In my opinion, studying international news in secondary schools can be valuable if integrated appropriately into the curriculum. It can help students develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. However, it is crucial to ensure that the material is age-appropriate and presented in a balanced and sensitive manner.

In conclusion, while there are valid arguments on both sides of the debate, I believe that incorporating international news into secondary school education, when done thoughtfully, can provide significant educational and societal benefits.

Model Essay #2:

Some people think that secondary school children should study international news as one of the school subjects. Others, however, think that it is a waste of valuable school time and has no value.

Some people argue that secondary school children should study international news as a school subject, while others believe it to be a waste of valuable school time. In my opinion, while it is important for students to be aware of global events, integrating international news into the school curriculum may not be the most effective way to achieve this.

Those in favor of including international news as a school subject argue that it is essential for students to have a broader understanding of the world. By studying international news, students can develop a global perspective, gain awareness of different cultures, and become more informed about global issues. This, in turn, can contribute to their overall education and help them become responsible global citizens.

On the other hand, those who oppose the idea believe that the limited time available in the school day should be focused on subjects that are more directly relevant to students' academic and career development. They argue that the inclusion of international news may not significantly contribute to students' future prospects and could be seen as a distraction from more essential subjects.

In my view, while being aware of international news is important, the traditional school curriculum may not be the most effective way to impart this knowledge. With the rapid development of digital media and the internet, students have access to a wealth of information about global events outside of the classroom. Instead, schools should focus on teaching critical thinking skills that enable students to evaluate and analyze international news on their own.

In conclusion, while studying international news in school can have its benefits, I believe that the limited time in the school day should be dedicated to subjects that directly contribute to students' academic and career development. It is crucial for students to be aware of global events, but the traditional school curriculum may not be the most effective means of achieving this.

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